Effective Airline Security Measures Are Overdue Essay

The September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks forever changed the way our air travel industry operates. It affected the government, the airlines, airports, employees, and passengers alike. There was not as much of a threat of terrorism before 9/11, so airport security was not nearly as thorough, and at times intrusive as it is today. Through the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration, the evolving threat of terrorism has not been successful in carrying out another 9/11 style attack.

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2011 prompted the world to reevaluate and drastically modify airport and airline security. “Four targets had been chosen, all iconic American buildings that would send a clear message of the depth of their hatred for the United States. All four planes crashed, killing all on board—terrorists, crew members, and passengers, along with hundreds who were killed inside the structures, on the ground, and the men and women who ran into collapsing buildings in an effort to try and save others” (Smutz 1). As Jason Villemez said “the decade after the 9/11 attacks reshaped many facets of life in America” (Villemez 1). Before the attacks, people did not think that large

The first attempted hijacking of an airplane on US soil happened in July 1961 out of Chico Municipal Airport. From 1961 through 2016 there were about 10 major airline or airport attacks, worldwide. In 1969 a 19- year-old Marine had control of a flight for 6,900 miles, which was the longest lasting hijacking ever. Then in 1988, a bomb a Pan Am Flight 103 killed all 259 on board and an additional 11 bystanders on the ground. In 2011 a suicide bombing in a Moscow airport killed 37, and in 2016 three coordinated suicide bombings in the Brussels airport killed 32. Between 1968 and 1972 hijackers took over a commercial airline every other week on average. The 9/11 attack was the last straw and on November 19, 2001 the Aviation and Transportation Security Act was passed by the 107th Congress allowing President Bush to create the TSA. Its mission is to protect our nation’s transportation

Some of the terrorists were living in America for over 1 year and attending flying lessons. The other extremists slipped through our country months before September 11th. The attacks were not much of a surprise as they were a shock. Since the US has gotten plenty of warnings from the Islamist extremists. They had wanted to kill Americans indiscriminately and in large groups. Because of this catastrophe after 2 months, Congress federalized air terminal security by passing the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, which made the Transportation Security Administration. The new TSA is tasked with establishing new security methodology that included stricter rules on traveler and baggage screening. Just ticketed travelers could experience security, and a perpetually changing show of apparatus and methodology were acquainted with output for weapons and damaging things. As new dangers were found after 9/11, new systems were presented, including uprooting shoes and banning

Airport Security was first developed in 1970 in New Orleans. The New Orleans International Airport was the first to require metal detectors for flier’s safety. On November 10, 1972 there was a high jacking incident and resulted in airport screening for all carry-on bags and passengers. Following the next two years, congress passed the Air Transportation Security Act which is regarded that all carry-on bags in United States airports are to be screened but only to search for weapons or explosives. On December 21, 1988 a second explosive incident occurred in Scotland resulting in many casualties. The U.S. reacted quickly enforcing to have all checked luggage screened through the x-ray detector. After 9/11, all objects with a blade

The tragic event that occurred on September 11th, 2001 was something that changed our nation forever. Many people already know of the damage it caused: the massive death count, the complete destruction of the World Trade center, and the emotional havoc that plagued many people. It was something horrible that no person could ever forget, but amidst all of the negativity that 9/11 caused, positive changes can be found, predominantly changes that increased airport security throughout the United States. The changes that 9/11 caused affect the whole security process that you have to go through before you board an airplane. (list changes)

Through the history of aviation the importance of airport security has steadily increased. Since the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, many changes have taken place at airports to prevent such an attack from occurring again. The purpose of this paper is to: outline airport security procedures, discuss the different technologies involved with airport security, as well as examine the components of airport security. In addition I will also discuss the Transportation Security Administration’s role in our nation’s airport security.

In 1974, the United States Government passed the first act the ensure airport security with The Transportation and Anti-Hijacking acts (Poladian). As these two acts called for safer security it made it harder for airports because people became creative with sharp objects to hurt one another. “These two acts accomplished security for weapons, but it was not until 1988 did airports have to start worrying about bombs being brought on planes through luggage and passengers” (Poladian). The challenge that was brought upon airports where to make sure there were no explosives that could be brought on the planes because a passenger in 1988 put a bomb in his suitcase and resulted in a devastating crash. As for the government they did not pass a new law until 1990 saying that they would enforce airport security. In my opinion though it is a devastating thing that something bad has to happen at the airport in order for airport security to be stricter. Though the Aviation Security Act of 1990 still plays a big factor because it has created a safer airport environment for people to travel. Another view people look at when flying is if they feel they are not safe there is leeway that people won’t fly anymore if it is not safe

The plane crashes at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the field in Pennsylvania were some of the worst events in U.S. History. The attacks of September 11, 2001 have impacted airports in the United States, and as a result, airport security has evolved significantly over time. Before 9/11, airports had simple security systems that made it easy for people to get through the security checkpoint. Then, a terrorist group named Al-Qaeda decided to fly two planes into each of the Twin Towers. They killed around 3,000 people on that day. (FBI) The terrorists took the lives of innocent people. Our airport security failed to stop them from committing this cruel crime. Ever since 9/11, airport security changed drastically. From now on,

On September 11th of 2001, nineteen militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four airplanes and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. During this event, many people lost their lives and any people lost their loved ones. In spite of what had taken place on that horrible day, the events brought out some of the most genuine hearts and minds to work. The events occurring on September 11th was an eye-opener to say the least. These terrorist attacks made airports and airport security more aware and in a way have pushed airports to progress in security. Finding new and smart ways to find dangers and saving innocent people’s lives.

The greatest impacts on aviation security were the events that unfolded on September 11, 2001. “American Airlines Flight 11, a wide –body Boeing 767, crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, at 8:46 a.m. EDT, hitting floors 94 to 98.” (Bragdon, Clifford, 2008, p.127). At 9:02 a.m., United Airlines Flight 175, a Boeing 767, struck the World Trade Center South Tower hitting floors 78 to 85. “A third airplane, American Airlines Flight 77, a Boeing 757-200, crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., at 9:37 a.m.” (Bragdon, Clifford, 2008, p.127). A fourth airplane, United Airlines Flight 93, a Boeing 757, crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania; it is believed its target was the White House or Capitol Building. This plot constructed by Osama bin Laden exploited the vulnerability of the airplanes cockpit and control over the airplane. Bin Laden chose the Boeing 767 for its capability of holding 20,000 gallons of jet fuel to use as a weapon on the twin towers. The transportation system always recognized airplanes as a target of terrorist attacks, but never considered airplanes as been utilized as a weapon in an attack. Domestic agencies were searching for threats in the country. “The September 11 attacks fell into a void between the foreign and domestic threats. The foreign intelligence agencies were watching overseas, while the domestic agencies were waiting for evidence of a domestic threat from sleeper cells within the United States. No one was looking for a foreign threat to domestic targets.” (Kramer, R.M., 2005, International Public Management Journal, 8(3). Unnatural threats are generally man made and include explosives, biological weapons, conventional weapons, military weapons, improvised devices, sabotage, and also unconventional threats such as mental instability of pilots and

Getting on an airplane for the first time is an exhilarating experience and something that will never be forgotten. As the planes take off that apprehensive feeling in the stomach as the plane leaves the ground, but everything is okay. Until you hear a scream and look towards the back of the plane and see three big men with guns and masks over their faces heading for the cockpit of the plan. How were they able to do this and why, so many questions but no time for answers. Security is something that is always changing and will never stop. People exploiting their freedom and creating tragedies creates a need for security. The September 11th terrorist attacks changed the life of every US citizen by increasing National Security.

In November of 2001, Congress passed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) resulting in the formation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which made aviation and other modes of transportation the responsibility of the federal government. The purpose of the ATSA was “to set up layers of security that would prevent future terrorist attacks.” (Dinneen, 2015). This act brought about new security measures, including screening passengers and luggage, in all 429 commercial airports across the nation. Secondly, all TSA employees must be American citizens, identity verification of law-enforcement and employees in secure areas of the airport. Lastly, implementing an enhanced “no fly” list preventing suspected or known terrorist from boarding commercial airlines. Although, enhancement of security in airports have prevented countless terrorist plots, however the funding and the accruing of an agency dedicated to the safety of transportation in the country still leaves a multitude of possible targets of terrorist

September 11, 2001 marked the most horrific day in history for United States of America. The events of this day changed the lives of those residing in America forever. United States was considered somewhat safe, in regards to terrorists’ attacks. However, this all came to a screeching halt when 19 militants known to be a part of the Al-Qaeda terrorist group hijacked four planes for the purpose of destroying targeted areas in the United States. As a result of the deadly attack on the United States, security measures drastically changed. Although, security measures throughout the United States have been in place, extreme caution came into effect. All departments looked at different measures to improve preventing terrorists’ attacks.

Airport security is necessary for the safety and efficiency of airlines today. Attacks involving airlines have been “among the deadliest in terms of human lives and economic impact,” even though relatively few attacks have occurred using airlines compared to other terrorism methods (Szyliowicz, 2011, p.2). Airport Security has been administered using a government-operated system since the Aviation and Transportation Security Act was enacted in 2001. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), now an agency of homeland security, replaced private security measures and personnel with at least 60,000 federal employees (Szyliowicz, 2011). However, privatization may be making a come-back. The following analysis will analyze